A CAR parts manufacturer has taken on four young engineers as part of its drive to create 60 jobs in the next two years.

Redcar-based ElringKlinger (GB) has recently welcomed university students Sam Dunn, 21, Kyle Mitchell, 20, Aston Barlow, 20, and 21-year-old John Malcolm to its 130-strong workforce.

Mitchell, from Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough, is studying mechanical engineering at Teesside University and is completing his placement as project engineer with ElringKlinger as part of the third year of his degree.

He said: “I have always had an interest in engineering as it’s in my family. The in-house training at ElringKlinger is second-to-none and my co-workers are inspiring, which has confirmed for me that I’m on the right career path.

“It’s a tough time for people leaving university and for finding work, so following graduation I plan to study for a master’s degree and then gain chartered status in engineering to ensure I up my chances of standing out from the rest.”

Lauren Attley, from Langley Moor in County Durham, joined ElringKlinger in 2011 as a technical assistant in the commercial department, providing support to applications engineers.

After just four months at the firm she was invited to shadow the current applications engineer until his retirement in December 2013, with a view to taking over the role in 2014.

Ian Malcolm, managing director of ElringKlinger, said: “There will be job opportunities for everyone from experienced engineers to school leavers wanting an exciting career in the automotive industry.

“The skills shortage issue in the industry is not going to go anywhere and so firms need to invest properly in careers advice and schools support to attract young people from an early age.

“UK unemployment figures are still a big challenge and we should not underestimate the youth employment situation.”

Ranking within the top three companies of a worldwide group of businesses that employs 5,000 people, ElringKlinger (GB) will celebrate 50 years on Teesside in 2014.